First there was his two-game suspension for running afoul of the league's substance-abuse policy, followed by reports that the Browns think he was partying a little too hard in the offseason. Now there's an injury concern to add to the Josh Gordon ledger.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Gordon was pulled out of practice Monday due to patellar tendinitis in his knee. The Browns say it shouldn't be too big a deal, but then again, it's another piece of news that leads to alarm, not optimism, regarding Gordon having a big second season.
The article is a good read for those wondering about Gordon, with information both good and bad. The bad includes indications that Gordon's effort is, at times, an issue. The good includes teammate Trent Richardson saying Gordon has been practicing very hard recently -- "much better than he did last year."
It's early enough that the knee thing shouldn't be an issue. Gordon is going to be one of the more interesting boom or bust type of picks on draft day. He'll miss the first two games, but those willing to deal with that could get a star for the final 14. You know, if his knee and head are both right.
--Andy Richardson